Description

This book is written primarily for lean practitioners, both existing and aspiring, whose population is comprised of three groups: kaizen technologists and facilitators in the kaizen promotion office, lean leaders, and kaizen event team leaders. One of the most significant components of implementation know-how is the kaizen event. While the engine of any lean transformation is people, the kaizen event is a primary vehicle for engaging the hearts and minds of the workforce. Kaizen teaches people how to see, think, and feel within the context of lean and, ultimately, how to rapidly and effectively deploy their improvement ideas to address high-impact opportunities. The scope of this book is primarily limited to kaizen standard work and event management. It is focused on imparting the reader with the strategies, tools, and techniques necessary to conduct effective kaizen events, with some forays into other supporting elements of the lean enterprise. The Fieldbook was created to answer the needs of both the newly engaged and the experienced lean practitioner. The primary intent is twofold: 1) to provide insight into the foundational elements of kaizen and its context within a holistic lean business system, and 2) to provide the practitioner with kaizen event standard work.